​Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats pounces into Leeds Grand Theatre this week as part of a national tour. Following a revived engagement at the London Palladium, the record-breaking musical is back; offering its trove of iconic songs and magical dance routines with a few unique upgrades.

A massive cast provides a colourful clowder of cats on stage; a complex mass of movement which is at times pleasantly overpowering in scale. The universally superb cast includes Shiv Rabheru as a pocket-sized Mistoffelees, whilst Marcquelle Ward's rapping Rum Tum Tugger is a delightful redevelopment of the original character. Mungojerrie (Joe Hentry) and Rumpelteazer (Emily Langham) are playfully brilliant in a circus-inspired double act, demonstrating outstanding stamina in an energetic song and dance routine. Marianne Benedict soars in a standout performance as Grizabella, offering a vocal triumph which matches the gravitas of her physical performance.

Cats offers an indelible source of imagery in its stagecraft, which is now embedded in the public consciousness for its unique style and presentation. John Napier's production design is a beatifically realised mishmash of upscaled props, including a giant bedstead and car boot (smartly signed off with the registration NAP13R), punctuated with over-sized cereal packets and randomly abandoned junk. The costumes are stylistically diverse, visually striking and evocative of their original designs. Featuring elegantly painted faces, punk-inspired wigs and vividly painted body stockings, the outfits are steeped in Eighties' fashion; showcasing legwarmers and lycra which add to the show's retro-appeal.

Cats is a musical which has endured due to the craftsmanship which exists on every level of its production. Musically, the production is eclectic and adventurous, paired with charismatic choreography which defines a new standard of complexity and scale. The show offers a theatrical experience which remains unmatched; wholly unique, often bizarre, yet always flamboyantly brilliant, Cats is a thrilling ride full of wonder and pathos which will enchant all ages.